Comparison: Favorite Blushes and Highlighters

Today i want to show you a few of my favorite blushes and highlighters. They range in price, size, and brand but they're all great quality and have individual purposes for me. I'm not going to do full reviews because by clicking the links below you can check out my full review for each product. Please comment, like, and follow :)

#1 Benefit High Beam
This is just a beautiful liquid highlighter. I like to use it anytime i want a healthy glow on my cheeks. It can be blended out super sheer, or put on a little heavier for more pigmentation - but it NEVER feels greasy or heavy on your face. Love it.
Full Review: http://www.luuux.com/health-beauty/benefit-high-beam-w-swatch?blog_id=56...

#2 Victoria's Secret Radiant Face Trio in Captivate
This trio comes with a pink blush, medium bronzer, and white highlighter in a pretty leopard print pattern. In my opinion it would suit almost all skin tones and its great for giving cheeks a pink flush & healthy glow. As you can see from the swatch (all shades swirled together) the color payoff is great and it turns out as a pretty bronzey-pink shimmer.
Full Review: http://www.luuux.com/health-beauty/victorias-secret-radiant-face-trio-ca...

#3 Mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cubes
These cute little multi-colored cubes are cream but turn to powder when applied to face. You can blend them all for a bronze glow (shown in swatch) or use separate ones for different shades which makes this compact super customizable.
Full Review: http://www.luuux.com/health-beauty/mark-touch-glow-shimmer-cubes?blog_id...

#4 Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in Score
This is one of my all-time favorite blushes. It gives you a beautiful peachy-pink glow. It has a golden peach sheen - NOT shimmer. I can assure you there is zero sparkle, glitter, or shimmer in this blush - just a sheen. I like this so much i use it more than all of my other blush's and highlighters.
Full Review: http://www.luuux.com/health-beauty/urban-decay-afterglow-blush-score?blo...

#5 NARS Deep Throat
I won this in a contest on trinajmakeup.blogspot.com and while i wanted Orgasm for a looong time i am so glad i got Deep Throat instead! Its basically like Urban Decay Score without the shimmer (can you see that from the swatches?). The base colors are the same but Score has that pretty golden sheen. So when i don't want that sheen i use Deep Throat instead :)
Full Review: http://www.luuux.com/health-beauty/nars-deep-throat-blush-7?blog_id=5646...

#6 Benefit Georgia
This is meant to be a highlighter - NOT a peach blush. I know tons of people get that confused but i promise its intended purpose is a highlighter, lol. In the swatch i applied Georgia in several layers to build up the color so you could see what it looks like. When applied lightly it gives a nice sheen to cheeks and face.
Full Review: http://www.luuux.com/node/2887999?blog_id=56465

Well, thats all! Those are 6 of my favorite and most used blushes and highlighters. I actually don't even the rest of the ones in my collection because i love these so much. Please checkout the full reviews if you're interested.

COMPARISON: Physicians Formula Baked Trio vs. WnW Walking On Eggshells

A few days ago while doing an EOTD (last image) with my new Physicans Formula Baked Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Trio in Baked Sugar (given to me by Holly Ann) i noticed it was eerily similar to Wet N Wild's Walking On Eggshells Trio which i purchased several months ago for myself. So i decided to do some swatch comparisons for you :)

Swatches L to R
second image

P.F. Baked Sugar pearly white shade (#1) Wet N Wild Walking On Eggshells browbone shade (#1) P.F. Baked Sugar champagne shade (#2) Wet N Wild Walking On Eggshells eyelid shade (#2) P.F. Baked Sugar light brown shade (#3) Wet N Wild Walking On Eggshells crease shade (#3)

I hope my swatches are easy enough to understand. I put the swatches next to eachother to show how similar they are. The only real differences i see between these two palettes is the brown - which is darker on the WnW palette. Otherwise the shades are pretty similar as are the finishes and quality.

The last image is an EOTD i created today with the P.F. Baked Sugar
Wet/Dry Trio. I used the champagne shade on the lid, brown shade in the crease, and white shade on the browbone as a highlight. I finished the look with brown eyeliner on my waterlines and 1 coat of brown mascara on my top lashes only. It was simple and pretty for a lazy day at home w/ just a little grocery shopping to do.

Both palettes are great quality although there is a large price difference, being that the Physicans Formula trio is much more expensive than the Wet N Wild trio. However i love them both. What do you think of these? Are the shades close enough to be dupes? Thanks for reading :)

COMPARISON: 5 Champagne Eyeshadows

One of my new obsessions is champagne eyeshadows. I think they make perfect all-over lid colors. Today i want to show you the 5 champagne shadows that I own. Some, as you can see, are almost direct dupes to others. *Photos are mine.

Swatches, L to R:
Urban Decay - Sin
Wet N Wild Walking On Eggshells - Eyelid shade
MAC - All That Glitters
Wet N Wild Comfort Zone - Eyelid Shade (left column)
CoverGirl - Mink

The first two are super similar, as well as shades 3-4. In my opinion CoverGirl Mink doesn't really make a dupe for any of these although it has been a supposed MAC All That Glitters dupe. Now that I own both i dont think it is exactly.

So what do you ladies think? Do you love or hate champagne shadows??? Some of them tend to be super reflective and/or metallic and others can be very soft and feminine.

DUPES for MAC Satin Taupe vs. CoverGirl Tapestry Taupe

Wet N Wild Nutty Eyeshadow $1.99

I purchased this CoverGirl single eyeshadow in Tapestry Taupe at CVS (reg. $4.99) for $2.49 with a coupon after hearing it was a close dupe to MAC Satin Taupe. And i have had the Wet N Wild Nutty eyeshadow for a while. Well, i couldnt really tell if they were dupes until i had all 3 so i decided to go ahead an purchase the CG shadow - it cant hurt to have an extra of one of your favorite shades!! BTW i totally forgot to photograph the MAC eyeshadow, lol, sorry! I was more focused on the swatches. *Photos are mine.

Photos
1. CoverGirl Tapestry Taupe single eyeshadow
2. CG Tapestry Taupe swatch on my arm - no flash
3. Wet N Wild Nutty eyeshadow single - also a dupe

They're really similar!!! Dont you think? As far as formula and finish go they are nearly identical, although MAC Satin Taupe is a tad more silky feeling, and CG Tapestry Taupe is a tad more light reflective. Otherwise theyre almost exactly the same... and technically IRL i could barely tell a difference at all.

This review started out as a review onlyon CG Tapestry Taupe but i then decided to do a dupe post instead. I'll do an EOTD with this soon! Thanks for reading, commenting, and liking! Please follow :)

More MAC Satin Taupe Dupes:
NYX Root Beer
NYX Iced Mocha
E.L.F. Elements - Moon Dust
Ruby & Millie Beige

4 Eyeshadow Primers Compared

Today i want to list the 4 eyeshadow primers i own, tell a little about each one, and then explain to you which is my favorite and why. This is a very lengthy review, sorry :\ lol.  I won't be comparing them directly, you can decide for yourself which one you would prefer according to the descriptions. Prices are for full size product, photos are mine.

Swatches: 
1. Urban Decay Primer Potion $19
2. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer $20
3. Benefit Stay Don't Stray $24
4. E.L.F. Eyelid Primer $1
5. NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone $7. (not pictured)




[[Product Descriptions:]]
Benefit Stay Don't Stray, $24 - 10mL, ❝This dual-action power primer works 360° around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant and true...you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!❞ 


My Opinion?? This is one of those nude tinted primers, so it doesnt dry invisibly but it does serve as a nude basecolor for shadows. However, i dont like it. Along with Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer, this also makes every shadow i own look chalky and matte (even shimmers), and i experienced creasing and oiliness within 4 hrs of use. This is also the runniest of all the formulas i own, and E.L.F. Eyelid primer comes in at a close 2nd to that. Its not creamy, more like a runny lotion consistency. So be careful when you pump it or you'll get way too much. Despite not working at all for my shadows, this doesnt do a half bad job at making my concealers stay put!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Urban Decay Primer Potion, $19 - 11mL, ❝Eyeshadow Primer Potion is coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike because it guarantees more vibrant eyeshadow that lasts for 24+ hours and NEVER CREASES! Once you experience its powers (plus how smoothly it glides on – an added bonus) you’ll never want to live without it. Original formula dries down invisibly, while Eden, Sin and Greed are shades that can also be worn as shadows or highlighters!❞ 


My Opinion? Loooove this stuff! Not only does it dry invisible, zap any oiliness on lids, make my shadows stay put for 24+ hrs, but it also makes my shadows more vibrant too! No, the original formula isnt tinted, so it doesnt act as a base but if you want a base + primer check out their other shades. It doesnt get any better than this!! I own this in the bottle form w/ the wand, and the squeeze tube. Especially now that its in a squeezable tube form, its soooo much better!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, $20 - 2.5mL, ❝This revolutionary formula contains Phytomoist™, a plant-based hyaluronic acid for ultimate moisturization plus skin perfecting amino acids. Soft focus pearls help diminish the appearance of fine lines and discoloration on the lids, while the patented delivery system ensures effective results. Create the perfect canvas for shadow application with this ultra-luxurious lid primer. Just like our best selling, award-winning face primer, this vitamin-packed formula glides on and instantly smoothes and perfects lids. Wear it alone for a flawless natural eye or under any shadow to give it the staying power to withstand anything (even the occasional all-nighter). ❞ 


My Opinion? I dont like this very well. I know alot of people do, but honestly, turns all my shadows matte (even shimmer, satin, and metallic ones) and makes them all powdery/chalky looking. If you're using this for matte shadows only, this would be ok because it wouldn't effect your eyeshadow finish, but i wouldnt recommend using it with anything except matte's. I do experience a little creasing a few hours into wearing this, but it does act as a nice base color. Overall? Wouldnt purchase it if I were you. Also - im not sure if its only 2.5 mL (as opposed to UD and Benefit which are 10 and 11 mL) because it's super lightweight or what but the bottles are about the same size.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

E.L.F. Eyelid Primer, $1 weight unknown, ❝Preps your eyelid for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eyeshadow. The ultra sheer nude color works to increase eye color longevity. The lightweight liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin for comfortable wear.❞

My Opinion? This stuff is just okay, nothing special. But i guess its what you would expect for a $1 product, right? Its pretty runny and not creamy like most eyeshadow primers and takes alot longer to dry. E.L.F. also sells a "Eyeshadow Primer" $3,  as opposed to this, which is an"Eyelid Primer". Not sure what the difference is between the two but this one isnt anything great. I dont notice it making my shadows brighter or last longer, and it does crease. Not sure it's even worth the $1, but i will use it until its gone so i dont waste my money.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone, $7 weight unknown. ❝Maximize the intensity, longevity and unashamed brilliance of your eye shadow statements with our eye shadow primer pots. Each of the three NYX Eye Shadow Bases—for vibrant, pearl or neutral tones—creates a smooth canvas for color, increases its durability and prevents fallout..❞

My Opinion? Ehhhh idk if this really does what it claims. This stuff definitely serves as a great base color but i still get creasing from it within a few hours and it does (like my other tinted bases/primers) have a tendency to make some shadows look chalky. My guess would be that the White Pearl shade would work alot better (maybe like UDPP?). If i could turn back time, i wouldnt have bought this particular shade. Its just OK formula wise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Verdict?
I've never found a primer that works better than UD Primer Potion so that will always be a re-purchase for me. (its also why i own 3, lol) It's been a long time since i owned the Too Faced primer so i cant really compare it to that but i loooove UDPP!! Overall, i guess i'd say if you're tight on money check out E.L.F or NYX, but if you can afford it definitely buy Urban Decay! The others are just a waste of money in my personal opinion.

2 Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trios: Knock On Wood and Walking On Eggshells

L to R: Knock on Wood, and Walking On Eggshells 

I purchased these WnW Trio's in Knock On Wood and Walking On Eggshells two days ago at CVS which was having a sale on WnW cosmetics - Buy One Get One 50% Off at the time.

Shades Knock On Wood: Pearly pink (browbone), Medium chocolatey brown (crease), and Muted plum shimmer (eyelid).

Shades Walking On Eggshells: Pearly white(browbone), light chocolatey brown (crease), and pale champagne pink (eyelid).

[PROS]

Very smooth and pigmented

Easy to apply

Easy to blend

Small compact/ travel friendly

Comes with double sided sponge applicator and a brush applicator

Palette closes securely

3 great shades for a pretty neutral day look

[CONS]

Shades may not suit everyone but would be great for brown and hazel eyes. 

Some fallout on certain shades.

I really like these palettes! I took advantage of the BOGO 50% Off sale and purchased Walking On Eggshells and Knock On Wood, i paid a total of $4.48 total for both palettes so i got a pretty good deal!! They are typically $2.99 each. Wet N Wild has definitely stepped up their game lately and these shadows are great quality, i would definitely recommend them!

Wet N Wild VS. CoverGirl: Eyeshadow Comparison

Today i'm going to show you a comparison of 2 Wet N Wild shades form the Walking On Eggshells Trio, and 2 CoverGirl Single eyeshadow shades. I actually bought all of these on the same exact day and somehow didn't notice how similar they were before purchasing them, lol

COMPARISON #1
❧ Wet N Wild Eyelid Shade (Walking On Eggshells Trio, $2.99) is a soft champagne pink shade. The color is pigmented, smooth, but just a tad bit powdery compared to CG Mink and i do experience fallout from it. Otherwise both shades are near exact dupes and the almost the same quality.

❧ CoverGirl Mink (Single shadow, $3.50) is also a soft champagne pink shade. This shadow is obviously a little larger than the WnW shade which comes in a Trio, almost $1 more expensive, but it is slightly better quality. The WnW shade, as i said before, is powdery but this one is not. Both would be good as an allover lid color.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPARISON #2
❧ Wet N Wild Browbone Shade (Walking On Eggshells Trio, $2.99) is a light, shimmery pearl color. Once again soft and smooth, but not super pigmented. I dont find that this is powdery, like the Eyelid shade is in this Trio, and i do not experience fallout.

❧ CoverGirl Champagne (Single shadow, $3.50) is also a light, shimmery pearl. As you can see from the swatches the two shades are VERY similar except this CG shade is more pigmented and light reflective, and a little larger. Both would be good for highlighting.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE VERDICT?
All four shadows are nice quality, but the CoverGirl ones are just slightly better and more pigmented. However, you get 3 shades with the WnW Trio for $2.99, and only 1 shade w/ CoverGirl for $3.50 so there is obviously a price difference. In my opinion i would purchase the WnW Walking On Eggshells Trio again but probably would not purchase the CoverGirl single shadows just to save money. Im sure there is a CG equivalent of the WnW Crease shade, but i do not own it to do a comparison, sorry.

Also, CG Mink and the WnW Walking On Eggshells Eyelid shade are both dupes for MAC - All That Glitters AND Stila - Kitten incase anyone wanted to know. **Photos and content are mine.

COMPARISON: 17 Gold & Bronze Eyeshadows

I was searching for a few dupes within my own collection today and realized I have alot of really nice gold & bronze shades so i figured I would swatch them all and show them to you for comparison! Ya know, just incase you're searching for a nice shade or wondered how some compare to others.

*Check 2nd photo for numbers that correspond with shade names (below).

TOP ROW SHADES (from L to R):
1. The Color Workshop Shimmer Cube (top row #1)
2. The Color Workshop Shimmer Cube (top row #2)
3. E.L.F. Golden Glow
4. Urban Decay Half Baked
5. Urban Decay Smog
6. Hard Candy 'Rush Hour' Duo (left shade)
7. Too Faced Push Up
8. Too Faced Honey Pot
9. CoverGirl Single Shadow (shade unknown)

BOTTOM ROW SHADES (from L to R):
10. The Color Workshop Shimmer Cube (bottom row #1)
11. The Color Workshop Shimmer Cube (bottom row #2)
12. MAC Melon Pigment
13. Smashbox Lucky Penny
14. E.L.F. Everyday Basis 32 Palette (row #1, shade #4)
15. E.L.F. Everyday Basis 32 Palette (row #1, shade #5)
16. Wet N Wild Comfort Zone Palette (Crease shade)
17. Wet N Wild Comfort Zone Palette (Eyelid shade)

I plan to do more of these comparison swatches with more eyeshadow shades as well as lip products and more!! Hope you like them, i put alot of effort into this post! **Photos and content are mine. Please remember some of these are from palettes and may not be available for single use sale. If you have any questions please feel free to ask!!